Page 158 of The Broken Note

Zane bounds over and peers closer at the strings. “C-A-D-E-Y… Dutch, is that a heart on your E string?”

“Mind your own business.” I shove him back.

Zane shakes his head. “He’s gone, Finn. Totally gone.”

I rest my guitar in my lap and balance my elbows over it. “How did your conversation with Miss Jamieson go? Did she forgive you for throwing her over your shoulder?”

As expected, Zane’s cocky laughter dies a sudden death.

Out of my two brothers, he’s the last one who should be making fun of me.

Finn turns to him, eyes inquiring. “Jinx didn’t rat you out.”

“That’s because I traded a secret with her as soon as I was done with our dear step-sister.”

My eyebrows hike. This is the first time I’ve heard Zane refer to Miss Jamieson as our step-sister without descending into a drunken stupor or pounding his heart out on the drums.

“What secret?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I set the guitar on the stand and stretch my back. I don’t feel the strain while I’m playing but, as soon as the music ends, it’s like the world chomps at the bit to remind me I’m human.

“I know you guys have been worried about me,” Zane adds soberly. He scrapes the heel of his hand against his cheek. “I spazzed out trying to force myself to do what I thought I was supposed to.”

“And?” I ask, sensing he’s come to some sort of revelation.

“After today, I’ve decided to do things my way. Even if it’s complicated as hell.”

Finn watches him quietly.

I do too.

Zane isn’t asking for our permission and I can tell that he’s made up his mind. However, I offer my encouragement anyway.

“Screw what people think,” I assure him. “Whatever your plan is, we’ve got your back.”

Finn smirks. “As long as you don’t paint her name on your drums.”

I pretend to throw a punch.

Zane slaps me on the back. “I heard about Brahms storming Harris’s office. You sure you can handle being married to a stubborn girl like that? She won’t let you win any arguments.”

“We’ve got our own type of conflict resolution.” I smirk crookedly.

Finn says nothing, but his eyes glint with understanding.

“You’re not fooling anyone, you filthy animal,” Zane jokes.

Finn picks up his bass guitar and slings the strap over his neck. “Play that melody again and let me see if I can find the rhythm you were thinking of.”

Zane jumps behind the drums.

I oblige my brothers by grabbing my guitar, but before I play a note, I warn them, “I’m expecting a call from Cadey tonight. The minute this phone rings, practice is over.”

“Whipped!”

“Don’t bring your married vibes in here!”